Montreal, Quebec — Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin said Canadiens fans chanting for him at Bell Centre on Saturday was something he never imagined hearing in that building during his career.
Supporters repeatedly called for Larkin through the first two periods of Detroit’s 1-0 shootout loss, turning a road game into an unusual recruitment chorus after he requested a trade in the offseason.
Speaking afterward, Larkin called the scene interesting and praised Montreal’s crowd as passionate, knowledgeable fans who create one of the best atmospheres in hockey, then said he quickly refocused on the game.
Teammate Lucas Raymond said players stay locked on the play and do not really hear the noise once the puck is moving, framing the chants as a first even as Detroit tried to dig out of a scoreless night.
Any trade path remains complicated because Larkin holds a full no-trade clause on his eight-year deal, and Montreal has not been listed among the destinations he would currently approve.
The 30-year-old still produced 34 goals and 67 points in 74 games last season, leaving him a high-profile name as Detroit sits early in the Atlantic standings and continues road games after the Bell Centre stop.
